Sheet-metal fence-post



(No Model.)

B. F. RANDA-LLJ SHEET METAL FENCE POST.

Patented Sept. 21, 1886.

N. REEfls, Phorwumu apher. Walhingicm. D4 0,

LUNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

BENJAMIN F. RANDALL, OF FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS.

SH EET-METAL FENCE-POST.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 349,603, dated September 21, 1886.

Application filed July 15, 1886. Serial No. 209,095. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern: Be it known that I, BENJAMIN F. RANDALL a citizen of the United States, residing at Fall River, in the county of Bristol and State of Massachusetts, have invented new and useful Improvements in Sheet-Metal Fence-Posts, of which the following is a specification.

The object of my invention is to provide a novel and comparatively inexpensive metallic post for erecting wire fences, which will re quire no painting, is strong but. light, can be easily driven in the ground, is substantial when in place, and the wire strands can be secured thereto in a very simple manner.

To such ends my' invention consists in a fence-post consisting of a single sheet of galvanized metal bent, folded, and creased into cruciform shape in cross-section, constituting radial flanges each comprising two parallel thicknesses of the metal, the longitudinal ends of the sheet of metal comprising one flange being lapped or bent one around the other and united together to form a bead, said beaded flange having slots extending from the edge inward the full depth of the flange, in such manner that when the wire strands are introduced into theslots and confined in place they will have bearing against two of the radial flanges at opposite sides of the flange to which they are attached.

The invention consists of other features, which will be hereinafter described and claimed, reference being made to the accompanying drawings illustrating the invention, in which- Figure l is a perspective view of my improved metallic fence-post, showing the same prior to one longitudinal edge of the sheet metal being folded around the other edge, and before the lower ends of the flanges are folded on inclined lines to produce the pointed end; Fig. 2, a perspective view of the post complete, showing two wire strands secured in place; Fig. 3, a transverse sectional view of Fig. 1; Fig. 4, a transverse sectional view of Fig. 2; Fig. 5, a perspective view ofa wooden cap-piece for the post.

In order to enable those skilled in the art to make and use my invent-ion, I will now describe the same in detail. I first provide a rectangular sheet of galvanized sheet metal, and by appropriate mechanism bend and fold in such manner as to constitute four radial flanges, making the post cruciform in crosssection, each flange comprising two parallel thicknesses, 2 2, of the sheet of. metal. The longitudinal. edges of the metal sheet which comprise one flange, 3, are so formed that one edge extends beyond the outer edge, 4, thereby constituting a flange or lip, 5, which is subsequently folded around and upon the edge 4, forming a bead, 6, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4. To permanently secure the flange or lip it is riveted, as at 7; but obviously it may be soldered instead of riveted, it. only being essential. to firmly and permanently secure it in place. The construction is such that all the creases 1 are brought into close proximity to each other at the axis of the post, just leaving suflioient space to receive the tongue of a wooden block, hereinafter referred to. The construction is such that by lapping the 1011- gitudinal flange or lip 5 around the other edge 4 the flange 3 becomes somewhat less in width than the other flanges. The lower end of the post is pointed so that it can be readily driven into the ground by folding the two thicknesses 2 2 of each flange on an inclined line, as indicated by the dotted lines a, Fig, 1, such folded parts being pressed down upon their respective flanges, thereby bringing the lower end of the post into the form shown in Fig. 2, so that the penetrating end comprises a hemmed edge of thickness of metal, to provide the strength requisite in driving the post into place. The folding or hemming of the ends also provides closed inclined edges for penetrating the ground, so that no earth can enter between the thicknesses comprising the radial flange. The post being formed as set forth, the short .bcaded flange 3 is slitted at several points along its length, as at 8, which slits extend the complete width of the flange and terminate at their inner ends in orifices 9 to receive the wire strands. The slits are preferably arranged at an angle to form lips 10, which can be bent laterally from the face of the flange to permit the insertion of the wire strands into the orifices 9, after which the lips 10 are restored to their original position by suitable means, there by confining the wires in place. To further secure the wires I solder them to the post at the orifices 9, or attach the strands to the post the same to form longitudinal creases, 1, and r gether.

by a piece of galvanized wire securely wound around the strand on both sides of the flange, one end of said wire being passed through the hole below and the two ends tightly twisted to- It will be observed that as the wire receiving and holding orifices are at the base of the short flange, the wire strands have bearing against two of the other radial flanges at opposite sides, respectively, of the short flange, thereby m aterially and substantially increasing the stability of the fence when erected. The slits by passing through the beaded edge of the flange 3 constitute strong and to some extent rigid lips 10, which is of advantage inthat they are not liable to be accidentally moved laterally, which would permit the wire strand to be misplaced from its seat. By employing galvanized sheet metal I provide a metallic post which requires no pain ting, and the entire con,- struction providesa post which is light, but substantial, and which can. be readily driven into the ground and easily removed therefrom when necessary.

It is sometimes desirable and necessary to use a top wooden or similar rail upon barbed wire fences, and to admit this I employ a wooden block, 11, Fig. 5, having a wedge-shaped tongue, which is inserted in the open top of the post, and to which may be nailed a strip of board, for the purpose o't' turning stock without injury at night.

WVhat I claim is- 1. A fence-post consisting of a sheet of metal bent, folded, and creased to form radial flanges, each comprising two parallel or approximately parallel thicknesses of the metal with the longitudinal ends of the sheet metal comprising one flange bent around the other and firmly secured iii-place, the lower ends of the flanges being bent on inclined lines and folded down upon said flanges to form hems and a pointed end to the post, substantially as described.

2. A feneepost consisting of a sheet of metal bent, folded, and creased to form radial flanges, each comprising two parallel or approximately parallel thicknesses of the metal with the longitudinal ends of the sheet metal comprising one flange bent one around the other and firmly secured to form a beaded flange, said beaded flange having slits extending its full width. to L receive the wire strands, whereby the latter have bearings against two of the radial flanges at opposite sides of the slitted flange, substantially as described.

3. A fence-post consisting of a sheet of metal bent, folded, and creased to form radial flanges, each comprising two parallel or approximately parallel thicknesses of the metal with the longitudinal ends of the sheet metal comprising one flange bent one around the other and firmly secured to form a beaded flange having slits extending its full length to receive the wire strands, said flanges flaving one of their ends folded on inclined lines to form a hemmed pointed end, substantially as described.

4. A metallic post consisting of a sheet of metal bent, folded, and creased to form radial flanges, each comprising two parallel or ap-' proximately parallel thicknesses of the metal,

said flanges being folded at one end 011 inclined lines to form a hemmed pointed end, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

BENJAMIN F. RANDALL. Vi tn esses JOHN N. BURGESS, HENRY H. EARL. 

